HELLO! Sheffield’s Philippa Hannah is who Lionel Richie is really looking for - to support him as special guest on his UK arena tour.

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Three Times A Lady: Philippa Hanna, pictured with proud dad Pat, will support Lionel Richie on his UK tour.

The 28-year-old singer-songwriter has been plucked from virtual obscurity to take the spotlight.

Armed with just her guitar, she’ll support the music superstar on 11 dates from tomorrow at the LG Arena in Birmingham.

It includes a home town gig in front of over 10,000 people at Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena on November 17.

That’s a far cry from the coffee shops and church halls where she had been playing.

But she’s more than up to the job, says her biggest fan, dad and entertainer Pat McClusky, aged 66.

He should know. He recorded a version of Richie’s Three Times A Lady some years ago as a romantic Valentine’s Day present for her mum, Sandra, 64.

He said: “When I see Philippa on her own with her guitar, on that stage, I’m going to be so proud.”

Philippa, who has worked with X Factor acts at Grammy Award winner Eliot Kennedy’s Sheffield studio, was spotted performing at one of his charity concerts by tour manager Nathan Hodgson.

She explained: “Nathan asked if I fancied doing an arena tour and I found my mouth saying yes. It’s an incredible honour supporting Lionel Richie, a once in a lifetime opportunity and a dream come true.”